I actually ran this bridge
I’ve had a ton of energy the last few days so on a whim I decided to use my beach route for a fartlek run last night. This means crossing the bridge twice. No idea what I was thinking!
Naturally as soon as I got to the base of the bridge one of my hard intervals started. I’ll be honest with you and say that most days I just power walk up the bridge. On a very good day I’ll jog lightly up it. Tonight I just focused my eyes on the back of Speedy Blue Shirt’s back and powered my way up it.
It didn’t kill me and now I know I can do it which is a huge mental gain! I always thought if I tried to run to the top I would use up all my energy, but it turns out it’s really not SO bad. I may do bridge repeats … someday… in the future.
After the bridge it’s all smooth sailing along the beach.
One time I looked down at my Garmin and saw 7:48 pace … I only held it for about 20 seconds but HEY that’s a first! Not really sure where that strong burst of energy came from except that all the other runners at the beach usually get me extra excited about life.
I always run alone but deep down I think I would LOVE running with other people because I love seeing other people run. Then again I can be pretty antisocial so maybe not : )
Reminder to self: order the above shirt and wear on Friday nights. And Saturday nights.
I actually don’t think I’m antisocial, I think I’m just getting old! Sounds a bit dramatic, but really there’s nothing better to me than relaxing on a Friday night at home with Adam and Cecil.
Ahhh, Friday nights…. only three days until the weekend. We can do this!
Do you prefer to run alone or with a friend / group? Does it depend on whether you’re doing a long run or speedwork?
– I could maybe see myself doing a long run with someone, but speedwork would be hard!
Yay for you! I think you crossed a huge mental block! Running hills is SO GOOD for you! And, I am lazy as anything on the weekends and would always prefer to hang with the doggies 😉
Amy recently posted…Girls Weekend
I think so too! I was really surprised at how easy it was going up, the first time anyway. On the way back it wasn’t so easy 🙂
…you know what they say, the fastest way to strength/endurance gains are hill repeats–I see bridge repeats in your future…Good job!
I run with my husband a couple times a week, and I have to say at some point in the workout I am usually mad (just an inner battle)–because I am tired–he really pushes me. He is also great about knowing how hard to push me…l am a lucky girl.
That is so great! Adam is the same for me, only with regards to weights. He doesn’t let me wimp out.
I wish he would run with me too since he is much faster than me, but he dislikes running so much. He does about one 5K a year, two if I’m lucky 🙂
Congrats on conquering that bridge and 740 pace is still 740 pace no matter how long your holding it for.
Groups??? Did you sneak a peak at my blog lol??? Group runs are huge. After watching some of the documentaries on the Kenyan’s I see how beneficial group training can be. I get the sane excited feeling you do and really enjoy seeing other runners form, speed, etc.
The running schlub recently posted…I’ve Reached the Summit!!!
Haha yes! I need to join Mrs. Schlub’s running group! Could she move it to Florida for the summer? 🙂
Hills really do always look smaller in pictures! I can imagine that that bridge is giant! Every year in college my track team went to Florida for spring break and those bridges were always so hard to run over! 🙂
Lauren @ Will Run for Boston recently posted…Ice Cream is the perfect pre-workout fuel and Things I’m Loving Lately
Haha as I was getting close to the top of the bridge I thought “Coach Lauren should give me double points for this!” 😀
Definitely no speed work but long runs with company is awesome. You are so lucky you get to run along the beach! I get to run on the beach maybe 2 days a year when I’m on vaycay. The sand is SO hard. I need that shirt, by the way. I understand the thing about getting older and wanting to just relax more.
Megan @ Meg Go Run recently posted…When the universe doesn’t want you to workout… (I locked my keys in my car.)
Running along the beach is great because the views are gorgeous and there is almost always a nice breeze! I wish we had some trails though so I could vary it up.
I am seriously considering ordering that shirt! 😀
I usually run alone but I have loved running with my 13 year old some lately so who knows, maybe I will get back into group runs occasionally!
I’m with you – I love the evenings that we are home with nothing on the agenda!!!
Kim recently posted…Sometimes Sore Is Good…
It’s so awesome that your son has gotten into running! You must be such a proud mom!
i can totally picture the kind of bridge that is! good work girl! those are NO joke.
yea, i need that shirt, only with a baby on it. cause that’s my excuse to get out of almost all social situations :). i’m pretty sure it’s cause i’m lazy.
dawn @ running the dawn recently posted…sigh. so much for peak week…
Haha yes, come to think of it “lazy” is probably a good word to describe my situation as well. The idea of having to select an appropriate outfit and do my hair and makeup is zzzZzzzz for me these days 🙂
Love that shirt! Haha, that’s gold. 🙂
Great work with your bridge / hill work mate! Woohoo!
And, I’ve said it before (I think anyway. Have thought it anyway haha) and I’ll say it again: you have the best spot to be running to/around. I really miss being close to the beach and ocean hey.
🙂
Thank you! 😀
Come visit me and I can follow you up the bridge!
Kristina @ Blog About Running recently posted…On track for my highest mileage month EVER
Conquering hills is always an awesome feeling. I feel like I do nothing but run up and down hills where I live and how to go to a track if I want to run flat. 🙂 Congrats on getting strong and more confident! I am definitely the type of person that likes to run alone, unless I am doing speed-work. Running intervals with others always pushes me a little more.
Kristen @ Glitter and Dust recently posted…Ironman Boise 70.3 Training â Week Thirteen
Yaaaa for getting faster! That’s how it starts 🙂 You will able to sustain that pace longer and longer. Great job on conquering the bridge!
karen recently posted…Getting Ready for Date Night
I love running alone, but when I need motivation, joining friends really helps. I LOVE running bridges. I always feel dead afterward, but I also know I had a great workout. Awesome job on your pace!!
Ali @ Hit the Ground Running recently posted…The Best Goodbye
[…] of you may remember that I ran the bridge on my beach loop for the first time last week. I ran it again (twice) last night and ENJOYED […]